Maurkice Pouncey Continues Black-And-Gold Tradition on Curve

CURVE, Pa. - Pittsburgh Steelers' All-Pro Center Maurkice Pouncey will pounce on to Peoples Natural Gas Field as part of the 2013 Entertainers & Special Guest Appearances that the Curve have lined up for their 15th season of baseball.

Pouncey, the Steelers' first round pick in 2010 and three-time Pro Bowl selection, will appear at Peoples Natural Gas Field on Friday, April 12 when the Curve play the Harrisburg Senators at 6:30 p.m. His appearance is made possible by the Holiday Inn Express in Altoona and WTAJ - Your News Leader. Pouncey will participate in the Curve Gameday pre-game interview shown on the video board, throw out a ceremonial first pitch (or maybe even try to snap it?) and sign autographs for two hours along the main concourse.

"We're delighted to continue this tradition," said Curve General Manager Rob Egan. "By their feedback and attendance, fans let us know they want to see some of their favorite athletes in a setting like ours. Thanks to our sponsors, we're fortunate to be able to bring in some of the bigger names with the Steelers and we think that Maurkice will be a hit with our fans."

Joining Pouncey on the appearance schedule will also be an active member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the appearance scheduled for August 19 when Altoona hosts the Reading Fightin Phils at 7 p.m. As is tradition with Penguins' players who pay a visit to Altoona, he will shoot a ceremonial first puck to an Altoona Trackers' youth goalie at home plate prior to the game. The Pens player will also participate in the Curve Gameday pre-game interview and do a two-hour autograph session during the game. The Penguins player appearance is sponsored by the Altoona Trackers youth hockey organization, Advanced Chiropractic, and WTAJ - Your News Leader. The player will be announced at a later date.

In addition to the Black & Gold stars that populate the appearance list are several entertainers that will be new to Curve, PA - including one that will be blown away - literally - during his appearance. On Wednesday, July 17, The Human Cannonball, will make his grand entrance and exit thanks to a cannon in conjunction with the Curve-Bowie game at 7 p.m. The Human Cannonball has made appearances in circuses and other venues in the past, but it will be a first for Curve fans thanks to Peoples Natural Gas.

Other acts that will be seen for the first time in Curve, PA include the nationally-acclaimed Fur Circus mascot act on Saturday, June 15 (Curve vs. Trenton, 6 p.m.) presented by WTAJ - Your News Leader and the unique stylings of The Utility Man who will bring his one-man, interactive show to Altoona on Saturday, July 6 (Curve vs. Erie, 6 p.m.).

The wildly popular Cowboy Monkeys will return for a second season in Curve, PA when Cowboy Tim and Team Ghost Riders bring in their act in on Monday, June 24 (Curve vs. New Britain, 7 p.m.). As a refresher, the monkeys ride dogs and herd sheep during and after the Curve game. Fans who witnessed the Cowboy Monkeys last year have already told their friends they have to see it and now all will have their chance.

Returning to Altoona for the first time since 2010 will be Reggy, the Purple Party Dude on Saturday, August 3 (Curve vs. Akron, 6 p.m.). In addition, the Curve are putting together a Celebrity Softball Game on Saturday, August 10 with several former players from the Curve's 15-year history dotting the roster along with area celebs. The three-inning contest will take place before the 6 p.m. game between the Curve and Harrisburg Senators. On that same night, the Pirate Parrot and Cannonball Crew will be on hand for the annual Buccomania Night.

Listed below are this season's entertainers and special appearances in Curve, Pa:

This release is the final release to reveal the 2013 Curve Promotional Calendar.

Individual-game tickets go on sale in-person at 9 a.m. this Saturday during Baseball Bash, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Peoples Natural Gas Field. Baseball Bash also serves as the first opportunity for fans that have already pre-purchased their Pirates-Curve Exhibition game tickets to pick them up. For more information on Baseball Bash and the 2013 Curve season, please visit the new AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the offices at Peoples Natural Gas Field.